What we felt he did lack, however, was an articulated vision that would make him stand out. McGinty, like Ingoglia, is a lifelong resident and is intimately aware of villagers’ major concerns — drainage, storm mitigation, revitalization and transparency. But while he spoke eloquently about being proactive and open if he became mayor, he provided few details as to how he would do so. McGinty is well known, well connected and friendly. Those are important qualities, but Island Park has an opportunity now to change, to advance, and we think Ingoglia is more likely to lead that progress.

Laura Hassett, vice president of the Voice Party and co-founder of the Civic Association, is plain-spoken in her criticism of decades-long Unity Party rule. A dedicated citizen who consistently attends village meetings, Hassett’s passions are transparency and accountability, and she has every intention of implementing both. She pledges to help bring openness to Island Park politics — precise and accurate meeting minutes, budget line items, timely public agendas and a more informative village website.

The only incumbent in the race, Joe Annarella, brings with him a wealth of experience in public service. An Island Park resident for 46 years and a village trustee for nine, he worked his way up from the back of a Town of Hempstead garbage truck to superintendent of sanitation, and has been the village’s commissioner of both planning and zoning and public works, as well as chief of the Fire Department.

Island Park needs practical, experienced leaders like Annarella, whose desire to improve the village is palpable, and we expect him to continue to be an impassioned advocate for residents, regardless of who is in the mayor’s seat.